Knob Creek 18 Year Limited Edition is a premium bourbon known for its rich flavor profile, featuring notes of caramelized oak, sweet vanilla, and baking spices. Aged for 18 years, it offers a complex taste experience with a warm finish, making it a sought-after choice among bourbon enthusiasts.

Overview of Knob Creek 18 Year Limited Edition

• Classification: Straight Bourbon
• Company: Beam Suntory
• Distillery: Jim Beam
• Release Date: October 2022
• Proof: 100
• Age: 18 Years
• Mashbill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
• Color: Dark Bronze
• MSRP: $170 (2022)

Flavor Profile

• Aroma:

  • Prominent notes of leather and aged oak
  • Complementary caramel sweetness
  • Hints of tobacco, dark fruit, and nutmeg

• Taste:

  • Burnt brown sugar, caramel, and tobacco
  • Dash of baking spices over an aged oak base
  • A well-constructed sip that balances oak with sweetness

• Finish:

  • Sweet caramel and brown sugar with robust baking spices
  • Long finish that balances aged oak and complementary flavors
  • A manageable dryness that highlights its high age without being overwhelming

What Makes Its Flavor Profile Unique Compared To Other 18-year Bourbons

The flavor profile of Knob Creek 18 Year Limited Edition stands out compared to other 18-year bourbons for several reasons:

1. Mash Bill: Knob Creek typically uses a higher rye content in its mash bill, which contributes to a spicier and more robust flavor profile. This contrasts with some other bourbons that may lean more heavily on corn, resulting in sweeter profiles.
2. Aging Conditions: The specific aging conditions in Knob Creek’s warehouses, including temperature variations and humidity, can affect how the bourbon interacts with the barrels. This can lead to unique flavor nuances, such as deeper caramelization and a distinct oak character.
3. Barrel Selection: Knob Creek is known for its meticulous barrel selection. The use of charred new American oak barrels allows for a rich extraction of flavors, but the specific toasting and charring techniques can vary, influencing the final taste.
4. Flavor Complexity: The combination of long aging and the specific production methods often results in a more complex flavor profile, with layers of caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and a hint of dark fruit or nuttiness that may not be as prominent in other bourbons.
5. Finish: The finish tends to be long and warming, with a balance of sweetness and spice, which provides a distinctive experience compared to the typically sweeter finishes of some other aged bourbons.